3 Wheeler Buggies
A three-wheeled buggy is ideal for off-road terrain and provides an easy ride for babies. They can also be easier to move and push than a four-wheel buggy particularly those with fabric slings or modular seats that are set snugly in the frame, delivering the most efficient geometry and weight distribution.
Stability
A three-wheel buggy has excellent stability, which is why it's an ideal option for off-road walks (especially with an all-terrain or off-road-style seat). They typically have large front tires that can handle bumps, kerbs and rough terrain. Some have a lockable wheels in the front to give you additional stability when driving on uneven terrain.
It is important to keep in mind that 3-wheel buggies have a lower center of gravity than 4-wheeled versions, which could mean they can topple over more readily. That said, the best 3-wheel pushchairs are designed with an ideal geometry and design to ensure they are solid in all conditions. They should be able to turn on a dime and be easy to steer with one hand. They also feature a 360o rotating front wheel which is ideal for navigating difficult terrain.
For extremely difficult surfaces, look out for models with air-filled tyres which are also referred to as pneumatic tyres, which are made to handle non-paved tracks and should cope with mud, gravel, rock and so on. Many all-terrain buggies feature a swivelling front wheel that can be locked to add stability when dealing with extremely rough ground too.
A three-wheeled stroller is a great option for those who run and like to walk fast uphill. This is particularly true if you are planning to connect a car seat or carrycot. The Roma Atlas is an excellent model. It has a flat-reclining seat with 5-point harness and plenty of storage space to keep all your gear (plus a 50+ extendable sun hood). It's light, compact 3 wheel stroller and suitable for infants and can be used with car seats or a carrycot. It can also be used for light jogging but is not intended for serious runners.
Weight
If you're seeking a buggy that can take on difficult terrain, you should choose one with big tires. They will be able to handle cobbles, grass, and dirt tracks and provide the smoothest ride for anyone. They are also great for jogging, as they come with built-in suspension and are easy enough to climb up and down kerbs. The downside is that they are quite heavy to push.
The Mountain Buggy Urban Glide 2 is the best 3 wheel buggy for use on rough terrain (pictured above). This 3 wheel stroller set-wheeler has 16 rear wheels with a lockable swivel front wheel which makes it very maneuverable. It comes with air tyres which do need occasional pumping and it can be used to carry a child until the age of 3. MFM reviewer Kath says that her toddler loved the shape of the seat, and she found it easy to drive with her 3 year old on board.
Another option that is great is the Baby Jogger Versa GT, which has an adjustable handlebar and a high-quality hood with 50+ UV protection. It's also easy to get up and down kerbs, and it can fit in small car boots. It can be used as a stroller and an infant carrycot or toddlers.
Fabric slings are placed within the frame and not on top as modular seats. This design delivers an lower centre of gravity and a perfect height, making it easier to push and lighter to pop the kerb (you should never overestimate how often you'll be doing this as a new parent!)
Seating
The capacity for 3 wheel stroller with car seat (Laodongzu post to a company blog) wheelers is quite impressive, and there are a number of different options to choose from. The carrycot that comes with it is perfect for newborns (which MFM reviewer Alice describes as a comfortable and cosy lying-flat bed that can be used both in and out of the buggy). Older children and toddlers will enjoy the spacious and comfortable seat with adjustable ventilation. The seats are not able to fully recline, but they can be lowered to the lowest setting. This should give your child plenty of space and headroom.
A fabric sling is also available. It's a benefit that it is positioned inside the frame, instead of on top as a seat that is modular. This means that it has a lower centre of gravity, with a perfect weight distribution. This makes it easier to push, especially on bumpy terrain or over curbs. MFM reviewer Kath liked the way this type of seat handled the obstacles.
This type of buggy comes with an extensive basket and other useful features like an hood that can be extended with 50+ UV protection, an easy to use brake pedal and a few innovative lights for visibility which can be put in front of occupants for improved safety on difficult terrain.
If you're searching for a single baby buggy that can adapt to your family's needs, there's the brand-new sport(tm) that's the first of its kind to take one baby from day one and change to take two or even 3 once your children have grown, all within the footprint of one buggy.
Storage
The 3-wheeled frame is much more stable and can be pushed with just one hand. It's also more suitable for terrain that is difficult. The shopping basket is smaller than a four-wheeler.
A good quality ATP will have a top suspension, pneumatic tyres as well as padding for the handle to ensure your comfort. It should also be equipped to carry a carrycot and car seat which means you can use it right from the time you are born.
The MFM reviewers noted that the 3-wheeler frames couldn't fit through their home doors or car boot. If you're worried about space, make sure you check the dimensions of the buggy when it is folded before purchasing.
Find a 3 wheeled pushchair-wheeler that has 2 (or 3!) seats. This is the best option for your child's future and will save you money. The iCandy strawberry sport is among the best of these; it can be used as a single from day dot and later converts to a twin buggies when your baby starts walking.
Tyres
These tyres cushion bumps and uneven surfaces to make your child's ride more enjoyable. You'll find these on pushchairs such as the Phil and Ted's Sport which MFM reviewer Kath found to be "an exceptional ride for my toddler". She also noted that the grippy tires of the Phil & Ted's Sport made it easier for her to maneuver around the kerbs and other obstacles.
They can be difficult to maintain and will need to have their air pressure regularly topped up. They are also more vulnerable to punctures than foam tyres. So you'll need to make sure that you have repair kits with spare tubes and a pump on hand when you are you're out and about in your buggy.
PU tyres can be found on pushchairs as they are a cheaper option than tyres filled with air, but they are equally durable. PU tires are easily distinguished by their matte finish and supple feel. They also slide on smooth and tidy surfaces.
It's usually possible to discern the difference between air-filled and PU tires by running your hands over each one. If it feels hard, then it's a rubber tyre, and if it slides then it's a PU. You can also verify whether your buggy has PU tyres by sliding the tyres over a clean, flat surface - they'll be able to roll easily and should fit snugly in their wheel hubs.
Foam tyres are typically used in high-performance buggies and joggers because they can cope with the rough terrain common to this type of pushchair. This could make your buggy less stable as the foam will lose its springy feel. These tyres also make a lot of noise because they generate lots of noise when you turn and drive around town.